“Green” Embassy Jakarta at the Trade Show for Ecological Construction in Singapore

Vienna, 20 September 2011 – Austria’s public institutions and Austria’s economy joined forces and successfully presented themselves at the trade show on ecological building in Asia (“BEX Asia” from 14 to 16 Sept.):

A presentation of the first “green” Austrian embassy building – a low-energy building that opened in Jakarta in June – was the backdrop for presentations of Austrian companies that are active in this line of industry.

The architect of the building, Fritz Oettl, introduced the role model building project to an interested audience at a special event at the trade show, and the “landlord”, Ambassador Klaus Wölfer, referred to the signal effect that was intended with this building. Trade delegate Volker Ammann introduced the companies that were involved in the building project.

What is most interesting and convincing for the many trade visitors from South-East Asia is the fact that this building has already been successfully completed and enjoys considerable renown thanks to extensive media coverage.

At the opening of the trade show, Singapore’s Minister of State Tan Chuan Jin announced a comprehensive plan for ecological construction and retrofitting of buildings, including development loans. In Indonesia, Jakarta’s governor Fauzi Bowo called the green Austrian embassy a role model of ecological construction and called upon the building clients and owners of the Indonesian capital to follow the example of the ecological building.

The Austrian embassy in Jakarta and the Foreign Trade Centre Singapore shared an exhibition stand, which can be considered as the latest example of the increased cooperation of the Austrian Foreign Ministry with the Austrian Economic Chamber. Austrian companies, such as Admonter, Baumschlager Eberle, Bene and Zumtobel, presented their products and services at the exhibition stand. A model of the embassy building, a short film about the project and a brochure, provided information to the interested trade visitors.

Singapore is the most important trade show venue in the ASEAN region; the BEX with some 250 international exhibitors has become the lead show for ecological building.